Chapter 67

Seris’s POV

Despite my best efforts to remain composed, a tremor of fear pulsed through me. Everything around me felt unnaturally still, every sound sharply defined: the sharp click of the maid’s heels on the polished tile as she approached with my accessories, the soft “snick” of jewelry clasps being opened, the faint rustle as she smoothed the fabric of my gown, her steady, light breathing mingling with my own quick, ragged inhales.

I squeezed my eyes shut and twisted my knuckles together so tightly they must have reddened by now. Every muscle in my body ached with anxiety, and the sensation was not the familiar, exciting flutter of anticipation—it was the oppressive weight of dread. I shared Eirwen’s restlessness, felt her mental fidgeting as if it were my own heartbeat racing.

‘Are you all right, love?’ Ronan’s deep voice resonated in my mind, and in an instant a soothing calm washed over me. ‘I sense your worry. What’s wrong?’

I hesitated, swallow